Disney: After—The—Bell

Disney will release its first quarter earnings after the close of trading today. Analysts are looking for earnings per share of $0.56. On the revenue front, analysts expect sales of $10.52 billion.

Closing Bell will have instant analysis and a full breakdown of the numbers due out at 4PM ET.

For now, here’s a preview of the numbers from media expert Porter Bibb, Managing Partner at MediaTech Capital Partners.

Breaking Down Disney’s Business

Bibb expects Disney to beat the Street's estimates on both earnings per share and revenue, thanks to a strong rebound of advertising. As for Disney’s theme park business, Bibb said we may see a pickup in business. The reorganizing of retail operations is nearly complete, that is also a plus added Bibb.

Disney has also done a good job in “playing all sides in the over-the-top TV battle” as Bibbs called it, giving content to HULU, Netflix, and even Google TV.

As for the company’s crown jewel, “ESPN is the driver of both revenue growth and profits as sports content becomes the holy grail for both broadcasters and digital,” said Bibb.

Risks

“A slowdown in economy or another downturn in advertising, and failure to continue to produce content which can be replicated in so many different merchandising categories,” may hurt Disney’s earnings Bibbs added.